ER to move most Express trains to Kolkata Station in order to ease load on Sealdah

KOLKATA: In a stride towards reducing the tremendous pressure of trains at Sealdah Station, the Railways have made plans to shift majority of the Express trains from Sealdah to Kolkata Station.

The authorities have decided to construct a separate terminal building at Kolkata Station. Some local trains may also be moved to Kolkata Station.

It may be mentioned that as many as 300 pair of local trains arrive and depart from Sealdah Station daily. The trains often have to wait before entering Sealdah Station due to non availability of platforms that result in delays.

"There is hardly any space for expansion at Sealdah Station. But passengers are increasing by leaps and bounds. So, we have decided to come up with a terminal building at Kolkata Station," a senior official of Eastern Railway said.

It may be mentioned that the number of booking counters at Kolkata Station are also being increased. The number of circular train services from Dum Dum can also be increased by developing this station.

It may be mentioned that Moitri Express, Khulna Express that travel to Bangladesh, Kolkata-Haldibari Passenger and many other long distance trains depart from Kolkata Station now. The ER wants to shift trains like Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, Kanchan Kanya express, Sealdah-Puri Express to Kolkata Station.

"As per our plans only Rajdhani Express will depart from Sealdah," a senior ER official said. The ER is hopeful that these steps will ensure that local trains no longer have to wait due to non availability of platforms at Sealdah Station. The platform for the Express trains at Sealdah can be utilised for local trains.

It may be mentioned that Rs 17 crore have been allocated in the rail budget for the development of Kolkata Station.